George E. Burke, 76, of Smithfield, died Thursday, February 26, 1998, it UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh. Mr. Burke was a retired coal miner from U. S. Steel's Robena Mine and was an Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of the American Legion Post 278 Smithfield, serving as financial secretary; UMWA local 6310; Fairchance Rod and Gun Club; Smithfield Senior Citizens and Golden Agers; Valley Lodge 459 F&AM of Masontown, where he was past master; Uniontown Lodge of Perfection 14th Degree; Pennsylvania Consistery 32nd Degree; Union Royal Chapter No 165; St. Omar's Commandery 7; Tall Cedars of Lebanon; DeMolay International; and Scottish Rite, Washington and Greene counties. Mr. Burke attended the First Baptist Church of Fairchance. Surviving are his wife of 49 years, Mary Fritzman Burke; a daughter, Linda Colleen Barrish of Waynesburg; three grandchildren, John F. "J.F.," Janna B. and Julie A. Barrish; three sisters, Dorothy Tremble and Clara Delaney, both of Uniontown and Shirley Joiner of Flemmington, N.J.; a brother, Robert Burke of Somerset, N.J.; and many nieces and nephews. Deceased are two brothers, Charles and William Burke; and a sister, Jean Younkin. Copyright ©1998 Observer Publishing Co.Last updated Friday, February 27, 1998George E. Burke
Retired coal miner from U.S. Steel was veteran
He was born on May 12, 1921, in Royal, a son of Althea Cupp Burke.